Since 2022, the Detroit Lions have emerged as one of the NFL’s most promising teams, though postseason heartbreak has kept them from reaching the sport’s pinnacle—the Super Bowl.

In 2024, Detroit surged through two playoff victories to reach the NFC Championship, only to surrender a halftime lead to the San Francisco 49ers. The prior year, despite injuries, the Lions secured a first-round bye and home-field advantage, but were stunned at home by the Washington Commanders in a shocking early exit.

While fans debate which loss stings more, wide receiver Jameson Williams makes his feelings clear: the collapse against San Francisco is the one that truly lingers.

“Most people don’t grasp how painful it is until you’re that close—just one win away from the Super Bowl,” Williams said. “That one hurt the most. Losing to the 49ers cut deeper than the loss to Washington. It was within reach—one play could’ve changed it.”

Lions Use Heartbreak as Motivation

Williams says the team hasn’t forgotten those bitter moments. Instead, they’re channeling the disappointment into fuel for the upcoming season.

“We’re still carrying that chip,” he explained. “It’s not something we constantly dwell on, but we remember. We’ve moved forward, but it’s there in the background, pushing us when we need it most.”

Despite the emotional baggage, Williams appears more focused and driven than ever heading into the 2025 season.

Williams Growing Into a Leadership Role

As he prepares for his fourth NFL season, Williams is earning praise from both new offensive coordinator John Morton and head coach Dan Campbell. The young receiver, however, credits his mindset to lessons instilled at a young age.

“My dad raised me to outwork everyone. That’s been my approach since I was a kid,” Williams shared. “Every day, he reminds me to be the hardest worker on the field. Now that I’m stepping out of the rookie phase and becoming a veteran, I’m just focused on playing better, more consistent football.”

If Williams continues to channel his work ethic and turn past playoff pain into energy, he could play a major role in pushing Detroit past the heartbreak—and finally into Super Bowl contention.